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Codex #3

In the Clear (The Codex Series)

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He needs to keep the gorgeous competition out of his head…and his bed.

Former FBI agent Abe Royal believes in hard work, justice, and a suit for every occasion. He’s hot on the trail of an elusive book thief when he realizes he’s being followed…by a sultry, cunning stranger.

Ambitious, young detective Sloane Argento has just been handed the case of a lifetime. It’s a challenge she’s prepared to meet head-on. Until she finds herself in a sexy game of cat-and-mouse with the devastatingly handsome competition. Tempting the sinful devil hidden beneath his cool façade might just become as much a priority as capturing the criminal.

Abe’s stoic restraint shows cracks every time Sloane gets too close. He needs distance, rules to protect himself. But when teaming up is the only way to race the ticking clock, he’s left wondering just how long he can deny his attraction to this risky, red-hot distraction.

Author’s Note: Insta-lust meets suspense in this action-packed, flaming-hot romance about a stoic hero with a guarded heart and a kick-ass heroine with a few secrets.

1 pages, Audio CD

Published May 25, 2021

220 people are currently reading
429 people want to read

About the author

Kathryn Nolan

21 books1,562 followers
Kathryn Nolan (she/they) is an Amazon Top 25 bestselling author. Her steamy romance novels are known for their slow-burn sexual tension, memorable characters, and big, hopeful feelings.

Kathryn is a bisexual bookworm and femme cutie with big Leo energy. They love to spend their free time hiking, camping and traveling. When not on the road, they live in their hometown of Philly with their cute husband and giant-eared rescue pup, Walter.

Sign up for Kathryn’s weekly newsletter to see what she’s writing, what she’s reading/watching and get all her travel stories (plus an abundance of Walter photos!).

Newsletter link: https://www.authorkathrynnolan.com/jo...

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5 stars
518 (63%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
Profile Image for Syndi.
3,658 reviews1,036 followers
January 24, 2022
Abe is my kind of man when I fantasized about James Bond type of hero. Abe is even better that James Bond. He is sweet, smart and older. He makes me like older man. An educated man. Mature and sexy.
Miss Nolan done a good job bringing In the Clear into sexy, lingering sexy romance story.

I am slowly looking forward for more books from Miss Nolan. She is very talented writer. So far I enjoy her Codex series. It is also refreshing to put a romance story in the background of rare books. And the plot is interesting. Miss Nolan done her research well.
Sloane is also a kick ass heroine. She has back bone and hold her own wit with her sassy, smart mouth. The sexy scenes are very sexy.

Overall a wonderful book.

4 stars
Profile Image for Emily  T.
351 reviews15 followers
July 19, 2020
This book is devastating in the best possible way!

Sloane is a BADASS!! We all knew the woman to bring Abe Royal to his knees would have to be, and damn! She’s sharp, she’s in control. She’s sexy. Everything I wanted for Abe. The push and pull of these two together is incredible to read! Sloane breaking down Abe’s walls is everything! We’ve gotten to know Abe through the last two books, but I was not prepared for how much I would fall in love with the broody Codex leader. We see so much more of his personality shine in this book and I adore it! What a complex, smart, caring, loving hero we have! The glimpses we get into Abe’s softer side tug at your heartstrings! The love Freya, Sam, Henry and Delilah have for him and vice versa is so wonderful to read!

There are so many amazing lines from this book...Kathryn is a master with words! I love all of her books (Strictly Professional is one of my all time favorites!) but Abe and Sloane just may have taken that coveted spot! The plot, the intrigue, the twists and turns, the tension, the STEAM (fans self profusely)..she is hands down one of the best!

I’m so happy the last Codex book is in the world, but I’m not ready to leave this world and these characters behind! Abe and Sloane sent us off in the best possible way. Words cannot described how much I love this book and the entire Codex world! Thank you for creating this series Kathryn....it is one of my favorites ❤️🕵🏼‍♀️🌹
Profile Image for Paulette.
727 reviews19 followers
July 25, 2020
This is the last book in the Codex series and what a book it is! I have to admit I am a little devastated to see it end. I became invested in this cast of characters. They never failed to bring the intrigue, the heat, the smart and educated us in ways we never knew we needed to be educated. We are taken on a historical, cultural, and literary journey. I quiet enjoyed every single moment. As the song by Vanessa Williams says, You Went and Saved the Best for Last! Well Kathryn Nolan certainly did. I never wanted to put this book down. However, at the same time I didn’t want it to end. So, I savored every moment and took it all in. At times I had to walk away and stand in front of the fan. The anticipation alone could set your loins on fire. Kathryn knows how to write the slow burn as if it’s happening now! I will tell you the payoff is worth the anticipation.

They say still waters run deep. I’m here to tell you no one runs deeper than Abe Royal. He is a man of secrets, mystery, and his intelligence is as easy and sexy as is his comfort in wearing a suit. It just is. I’m sure designers everywhere are thanking him for the unsolicited advertisement. With all that going for him he is a rubric’s cube of being able to relax and have fun....until!

Sloane Argento, is a lone she-wolf. She’s independent, smart, has her secrets and baggage, distant, beautiful and looking to make her mark. Attracting attention is not a problem for Sloane. Men are just attracted to her. In many ways Sloane is in fact very much like Abe. Her eyes are always set on the prize, the mission. She’s laser focused...until

When these two meet it’s instant, fun, intriguing, and sexy as all get out. I’m sure these two wish everyone would get out! When the worlds finally collide the song, One More Night by Phil Collins popped into my head.

With all that going on you still get a great mystery that keeps you riveted and trying to solve the mysteries and the how to and why and what’s up. Yes, I did try to be a sleuth. I better stick to being the reader and let the writer write for my enjoyment.
Meeting up with characters from the past was a blast!

Anyway, as you can tell I loved every facet of this story, this series, these characters. Maybe someday we can be together again. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, You Went and Saved the Best for Last.

P.S. - every book is the best, THIS one though, IS the bow on the whole package!
Profile Image for Jenny.
540 reviews30 followers
August 2, 2020
The final installment of the Codex series! What a great ride it’s been.
In the Clear is the very stoic Codex office Daddy, Abe Royal’s story. The story takes place in England which is the perfect place for us to come full circle in the storyline. Abe arrives to the UK under the guise of taking a vacation, but, he’s a PI and a very serious, driven PI, so there’s a reason for his UK vacation. While in the UK Abe’s path crosses with Sloane Argento, a skilled PI in her own right, who hails from Brooklyn, NY. There is an attraction and as the two dance around a mutual attraction, the clues start to stack, this is slow burn at it’s best, but they are wildly attracted to each other, but restrained. I enjoyed this whole series and I’m sad it’s over!
This book is best read after reading Behind the Veil (Codex #1) and Under the Rose (Codex #2).
Profile Image for JP.
682 reviews25 followers
February 15, 2022
In the Clear had was great. I chose to listen to this book and loved the narrators. This was sexy and angsty. These two fought every impulse pumping through their veins. The chemistry was on fire. I don’t read a lot of mystery suspense romance so I was pleasantly surprised by this novel! I believe it’s book 3 of a series but I read it as a stand-alone and loved it. Cleverly written and very entertaining I highly recommend it.
Now I just need to know where I can find my “Abe”! He made me swoon several times.
Thanks to my local library for this audiobook.
Profile Image for Michelle Claypot_Reads.
2,507 reviews61 followers
August 2, 2020
I think this one might be my favourite and such a perfect way to end the series. This story had the perfect balance of action/suspense with heat and wit. I laughed, I got teary and I definitely got more than a little hot under the collar. Abe & Sloane we’re the very best kind of romance characters. Loved them.

Absolutely fantastic!

You can read it as a stand-alone but you would be crazy to miss books 1 & 2.

I received an arc of this book.
Profile Image for CzekMart.
308 reviews21 followers
July 19, 2020
Simply extraordinary!
That’s the first thought that comes to mind after finishing this phenomenal book.
I have fallen in love with the Codex team since the very beginning and could not wait to read Abe’s story. The intrigue, deception, manipulation and clandestine activities of the International antiquities thieves. The secret societies, hiding in plain sight, behind a publicly recognized and celebrated successful persona of an expert in the very field they rob of priceless historical works of art.
The coming together of a team of experts to combat this corrupt upper echelon of society that considers themselves untouchable, bringing them to justice and recovering treasures of our past to preserve them for future generations.
The Codex series is the absolute best in romantic suspense, I could not put this book down and cheered for Abe and Sloane as they found a way to each other, overcoming their emotionally difficult younger years and upbringing, learning to trust and love and share in those feelings, so foreign to both of them.

“Come now, Mr. Royal. It’s a beautiful day to right the scales of justice.”

I loved Abraham’s and Sloane’s reluctant partnership and recognizing that together, and with the assistance of the entire Codex team, they’ll be unstoppable in achieving the ultimate goal of capturing the mastermind behind the rare books thefts - the puppeteer of the antiquities secret criminal underworld.
In the Clear is a dream come true for all romantic suspense enthusiasts - it’s a perfect mixture of love, drama, humor, swoon, steam and romance with intricate web of deception and mystery woven throughout the emotional fabric of this remarkable story.
A definite must read!!!
418 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2020
In the last book in the Codex trilogy, leader Abe Royal decides to go on a much needed vacation...or is he? The notorious workaholic has decided to go to London to relax, and if he runs into a lead on the notorious Bernard Allerton...well, that would be great, right? Abe goes right to a meeting of the Sherlock Society of Civilized Scholars, and meets PI in disguise Sloane Argento. And watch the sparks fly!

"I did, however, spend a large portion of last evening fantasizing about the curve of her spine beneath my palm, her pliable muscles, her fire-hot skin, the hollow of her collarbone calling to me. I’d watched her seductively swaying hips with the stare of a starved man. My fingers were sore from the way I’d gripped my glass, a futile attempt to temper my response. By the time I’d made it to Eudora, I was off my game, dazzled."

"My immediate attraction to him ripped through me like a summer storm, all dangerous heat and crackling lightning."

Those of us who read the first two books (🙋) were hoping for a book focusing on Abe. He's a loner character with a fascinating background. After his Mom got hurt after an accident, his father left and didn't turn back. Then his Mom's caretaker fell in love with her, and they married, giving him two Moms. His first Mom was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, which is a brain disease that I'm very close to. My sister has one from an accident, and while it was never a large part of any of the books, I always looked for authenticity. And it was always there. Sloane is also a loner, her parents being con artists who flew the coup when she was a teenager. Each start to feel a kinship with each other than they have never felt before.

Both Abe and Sloane are there because there are special Conan Arthur Doyle letters being auctioned off in London, and presumably the auction will draw out Allerton. They both were wary even though they were attracted to each other. I loved how Nolan describes the feeling of Sloane being out of her element in most social situations. I loved how she also described loneliness from Abe's point of view...when you have opportunities to be social and them them down. Both Sloane and Abe are lonely people who find each other in the midst of a mystery.

Some of the best parts of the book are where these two loners give in to their emotions. Nolan has this great way using words like "chaos" "devastating" and "entwined" while we slowly watch the lovers switch the meanings of words from negative to positive. My favorite line is "join together to become an unstoppable force of valiant passion." Unfortunately for every future suitor of mine, I'm going to need valiant passion in my life or it's a no go.
102 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2020
I’ve been in love with Codex from the very beginning and this series has become one of my all time favorites. Kathryn Nolan is the queen of romantic suspense and sexual tension. She has a way of completely immersing you in the story, making you one with the world of rare book theft, surrounded by code words, deception, hidden clues, secret societies, and mysterious hidden passageways.
Throughout the series I have been eagerly awaiting Abe’s story and Mr. Royal certainly did not disappoint. Behind his stern and stoic facade hides a lonely and vulnerable heart. A heart protected by fortress-high walls that no woman has been able to climb...yet. The connection between Abe and Sloane is electric from the start. Through a reluctant partnership to capture an elusive criminal mastermind they begin to recognize the same loneliness and vulnerability in each other. The intense attraction between them proves to be a distraction however. One that could prove devastating during the biggest case of their lives. Together, along with the rest of the Codex team they become an unstoppable force to take down a ring of thieves and right the scales of justice. Along their journey full of danger and deception they realize they’ve found so much more than what they were searching for.
In the Clear will take you on a journey you don’t want to miss! Go read it now. I promise you won’t want to put it down.
Profile Image for Cece.
278 reviews16 followers
July 24, 2020
Wreck Me!
That's what Abe is fearful of after just one look, one chance encounter with Sloane Argento. That she will wreck his neat and organized life. He's the man in charge at Codex, his private investigative group, and he takes his job and responsibilities very seriously. So when he goes on vacation, the other four PIs second guess his motives, as they should. In London, Abe meets the bewitching Sloane and immediately these two are drawn to each other and combine forces to finally put the ultimate case to rest.

In The Clear is the third and final book in the Codex series and these must be read in order to fully enjoy the building plot. The intrigue and web of deception is amplified as new characters are introduced and additional theories come into play. Kathryn's writing is so expressive and passionate that I felt like an eavesdropper standing right outside the circle of action. Not only is this a page-turning suspense, it's a deliciously steamy romance. Personally I have been waiting for the devastatingly handsome Abraham to get his story and was absolutely speechless upon finishing. I'm sad to say goodbye to this group....for now. I foresee many rereads in my future. My hopes are that we will see more of Humphrey though. Valiant! Enchanting! Dashing!
Profile Image for DMATMOOBILforever.
790 reviews14 followers
July 3, 2023
- 2.5 stars
- I like this series in that it’s an easy interesting read, but this third book is possibly the worst one so far?
- I was okay with the instalust, but it’s moving into instalove real fast
- I also don’t love the age gap here… it just seems unnecessary. Wouldn’t it make more sense if she was a more experienced PI around his age instead of being 14 years younger?
- ehhh. It tied up with a bow as expected. I’m glad to see the HEA for sure, and see the end of the series. It was entertaining and I don’t regret reading it at all, but I wouldn’t reread it. My favorite of the series was definitely the first book, I felt like Delilah and Henry’s relationship was the most developed and everything was also so new and fresh
- also read the bonus epilogue which was cute but not much
❌ feels
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Angela's Book Addiction.
801 reviews
July 31, 2020
In the Clear by Kathryn Nolan is a sexy, suspenseful, slow burn, contemporary romance told in first person, dual POV. It's also the third and final book in the Codex trilogy.

Abraham Royal is a workaholic. As the owner and director of Codex, a private investigative firm specializing in the recovery of priceless texts and antiquities, he's always looking out for the well-being of his team. Now they're trying to look out for him by making sure he takes a vacation. Abe plans a vacation to London to secretly pursue a lead he received about Bernard Allerton, a criminal mastermind that has eluded him for ten years. He knows he should tell his team what he's really up to, but this guy has slipped through their fingers too many times. What if it happens again? He doesn't want to bring them out to London for nothing. This is a personal vendetta for Abe. After chasing Bernard for ten years, he wants to be the one who's single-handedly responsible for his capture.

Private investigator Sloan Argento has received one of the biggest cases of her life. The McMaster's Library in Oxford has hired her to facilitate the capture of Bernard Allerton, a famous librarian who once oversaw their library and special collection of rare books. Through their conservation efforts, he had access to some of the rarest manuscripts in the world, and took advantage of that by stealing from the library and forging documents before disappearing. If Sloan can find him and turn him into the authorities, she'll receive five times her usual fee. But time is running out. She has three weeks left on her contract. If she doesn't find Bernard, she won't get paid, and the library will hire someone else. Sloan believes the key to finding his whereabouts is a group of literary scholars at the Sherlock Society in London. So she goes undercover as a visiting Sherlock Holmes enthusiast from the states.

What will happen when Sloan and Abe cross paths? Will they fight each other in pursuit of the same goal? Will they team up and work together? What will they do about their intense attraction? Can they put that aside to get the job done? Or will it become a distraction that will ultimately lead to their undoing? Read and find out.

I absolutely loved this! I loved the story and all its characters, but... Abe Royal, HOLY HOTNESS! I thought Sam was my favorite Codex hero, but he has now been replaced. The chemistry between Sloane and Abe crackled off the page as they engaged in their game of cat and mouse. I loved them together! They were well matched, and made such a great team.

I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. Ever since book one, I've been waiting for Bernard to get what he deserves, and I was dying to find out how it would happen. I wasn't disappointed. This book was just as addictive as the first two, and the appearance of the rest of the Codex team was so much fun. A steamy, suspenseful, satisfying read, and a great ending to the Codex trilogy. I rarely reread books, but I would this trilogy again. I loved the entire series. Highly recommended.

*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
Profile Image for Booklover Judy Lynn.
1,623 reviews29 followers
July 31, 2020
This is book #3 in the Codex series. Though the romance can be read as a standalone, readers will find the most enjoyment by reading the series in order. Cases and plot points introduced in book one gain continued development over the series. This book is written first person with dual POV.
This book follows Codex leader, Abe Royal, as he meets his match in every way. Sloan is a woman packing charm, charisma, intelligence, and a bunch of baggage from her childhood. She and Abe instantly resonate with each other on multiple levels and have an immediate and intense physical attraction to each other. As they get to know each other they realize that they more alike than different. Their attraction eventually leads to some serious, kindle-melting heat once this slow burn culminates after a night of shared secrets and vulnerabilities.
This story is beautifully written with fully developed main characters, interesting and well-developed secondary characters, and a plot that kept this reader on the edge of my seat. The writing is amazing and includes incredible descriptions of London locations both real and imagined. There are numerous memorable quotes throughout the book, that I believe will stay with me forever. The pacing was good and I never felt like it was dragging.
I was 100% engaged in this book. I loved the characters, their chemistry, and the suspense and tension as the case came together. The epilogues wrap up the story completely, giving the reader a full view of the HEA’s gained throughout the series. They also tie up the details of the criminal cases closed by the Codex team, which gave me a sense of completion. I highly recommend this series and this final book is the perfect ending for an excellent story about lovable and memorable characters.
I am leaving this honest review after receiving an ARC from the author.
Profile Image for Christine F..
277 reviews10 followers
July 21, 2020
“In The Clear”—Kathryn Nolan [5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️] Kathryn has done it again, delivering yet again another amazing book! This is book three in the Codex series, and what a way to finish it off. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly suggest you read the first two as you’ll get a better perspective of the continued storylines and all of the characters. This story was filled with the perfect amount of intrigue and suspense combined with a badass heroine and a swoony male lead where their chemistry was off the charts. Abe Royal, the head of the Codex team, is in London supposedly taking a much needed vacation, but instead is on the hunt for an elusive book thief he’s been tracking for years. He crosses paths with a feisty young private detective, Sloane Argento, whose on a similar mission as him and the competition amongst them begins. They both know that they need to focus on the mission and that they can’t afford to be distracted by one another. The more they keep running into each other and getting to know one another, they realize that teaming up may be the best strategy as their on a strict timeline to capture this thief once and for all. It’s only a matter of time before they give into their attraction towards each other, but will they be able to successfully tackle this mission together or will this distraction stand in their way? I seriously loved this book and Abe and Royal were such a dynamic duo, making this a perfect finale to the series. Make sure to grab a copy of this book when it comes out on July 31st! 👍🏼 *Thank you to Kathryn Nolan for providing me a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review* 📚
Profile Image for Nicole Adams.
129 reviews5 followers
July 25, 2020
I’ve been waiting for Abe’s story since the beginning of the Codex series and let me tell you - IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT!!!

Abe is everything he was teased to be: serious, determined, fantastic to look at in a suit with a devilish wit but we also get to learn so much more about why he is the way he is.

Sloane is such a badass and probably one of my favourite heroines of 2020! Bold, brave and independent with a soft side that only the right person can bring out.

The delightful game of cat and mouse these two play whilst hunting down Bernard Allerton is filled with so much sexual tension that when they finally give in to their desires the pages literally sizzle. And who knew putting clothes on could be so sexy!

I was also impressed with how easily I was transported to London and could picture myself dresses to the nines at The Langham Hotel, The Sherlock Holmes Museum, Mycroft’s Pub and Adler’s Bookshop.

Seeing Abe’s love for his team and bringing the full Codex crew together is so satisfying and I wasn’t able to put the story down as it came to it’s conclusion.

Ms Nolan has delivered a truly epic ending to her Codex series. I highly recommend this book and it’s two predecessors as a perfect mix of suspense and romance!
Hopefully we can all meet at Reichenbach Falls one day!
Profile Image for Jolene St Germain Triggs.
762 reviews8 followers
July 26, 2020
Absolute GOLD from beginning to end! I have LOVED the Codex gang since the first book they were featured in, and my love for them has only grown with the addition of the new members. For a Sherlock Holmes nerd such as myself, there is the added bonus of all the Arthur Conan Doyle references. I loved the suspense, the little clues that stand out on the page like 'remember this odd tidbit, it might be important down the road'. The clandestine meetings and secret society lingo, who among us hasn't hoped a secret door would open when we moved some dusty books? And Sloane? What a powerhouse and perfect match for our seriously in need of a good time esteemed boss man Abe! The chemistry between them was palpable and more delicious with every turn of the page! I loved this immensely and am so sad to see them go!
498 reviews5 followers
July 22, 2020
A fantastic ending to a fantastically fun series! I highly suggest you read these books in order. There are huge plot points that move from book to book.
In the Clear is Abe and Sloane’s story and what a story it is. Full of suspense, intrigue, drama, humor, secret societies, and a slow burn that will melt your kindle! Sloan is Abe’s perfect match. She calls him on his bullshit from day 1. Abe is Sloane’s perfect match. He gives her the time and space she needs to trust him. Once these 2 lone wolves partner together, they are unstoppable. Call in the rest of Codex and they become the family they were always meant to be.
I loved, loved, LOVED this book and look forward to whatever Kathryn comes up with next!
Profile Image for Beth C..
647 reviews62 followers
July 26, 2020
Perfection. Tension—sexual and suspenseful—completely on point. Smart dialogue, with all the flirty and fun banter. And the rewarding completion of the overarching story in this Codex series. Kathryn Nolan is such a beautiful, lyrical writer, and that's evident in In the Clear. I can't praise it highly enough. Definitely a must-read, but make sure you read books one and two first—they are also magnificent reads and can only add to your enjoyment of Abe and Sloane, and the Codex team.

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Profile Image for Lynn.
1,037 reviews16 followers
July 27, 2020
In the Clear..... it’s clearly an incredible read!! Kathryn Nolan gives readers another incredible book!
I’ve loved the Codex family from the beginning and this is perfect book that pulls it all together!!

Abe and Sloane.... amazing!!! This book is packed with mystery and intrigue and so much details- once you start reading... its addicting!!

What I loved was how Sloane and Abe opened up to each other about pasts, about being honest- even with their lying start- which was so well written!! Their chemistry is out of this world and I couldn’t get enough of them.

The hunt for Bernard brings the Codex them together and I feel in love with all of them all over again!! Even when you are on vacation- you can find love in the most amazing way!!
Profile Image for Robin.
1,281 reviews5 followers
July 22, 2020
I waited a few days before I could post my review. The book hangover from the final Codex book is one hell of a doozy. Abe is, well I'm not sure if there are words invented in the English Language yet that can describe Abe, other than he's is one hell of an Alpha. I enjoyed the Cat and Mouse of Abe and Sloane in the beginning. Of course you get a good amount of Freya, Sam, Delilah, and Henry. It was great having everyone back again. This book was a great last book in the series. The Codex books are timeless and will be great to reread for many years to come

I received and ARC copy in return for my honest review
Profile Image for Dawn Strickland.
429 reviews18 followers
July 31, 2020
Pick Pocketed My Heart
In the Clear is the brilliant conclusion to the Codex Series! The tension, suspense, and passion are on point. Abraham Royal and Sloane Sargento are magnificent characters. Two "lone wolves" that compliment and mirror each other. Ms. Nolan once again enraptures me with her vibrant imagery, wicked humor, and emotional depth. An added bonus is getting to check in with the rest of the Codex Crew. The game is afoot from page 1 and doesn't stop until the team gets the damn book back. It's filled with Kathryn Nolan's signature slow burn heat and immense heart. Such an exhilarating read!
Profile Image for Peggy.
489 reviews4 followers
July 31, 2020
Exciting, romantic, hot and completely wonderful. The story of Abe and Sloane who meet while in pursuit of a book thief. Sloane has been hired by the employer of the thief to find him. Abe has been wanting to catch him for many years. This story has so many elements of mystery and suspense.
I was riveted. My favorite of the series.
Profile Image for Sheila.
68 reviews6 followers
September 5, 2020
Gorgeous

Brilliant finish to the Codex series. Abe and Sloane are strong, well written characters with amazing chemistry (a hallmark of Nolan's writing), and the pacing of this thriller led to me devouring it in no time. New characters add depth and the reappearance of the other Codex couples and side characters make a rich tapestry that makes this book a guaranteed reread for me. Fabulous from the first word to the bonus epilogue.
Profile Image for Cami.
221 reviews
August 4, 2020
Saved the best for last!!!! Abe and Sloan are great!!!
258 reviews
August 20, 2020
I really enjoyed the entire Codex trilogy, but IN THE CLEAR was my favorite of the bunch. I really appreciate when the author wraps up a series in such a satisfying and entertaining way.
Profile Image for Paula (on hiatus).
855 reviews12 followers
August 9, 2020
The only good thing about this was the Epilogue, other then that, it was one big snoozefest....

aka, a lot of dialogue about literary whatnot, academic mambo-jumbo and Sherlock Holmes BS that fried my little brain to the point of wanting to clean toilets rather then read any more of this sh*t, unlikable characters that had zero chemistry and a plot that made no sense whatsoever...

SPOILERS!

There is also a lot of references in describing characters by race such as "My client is a white 60 yr old", "the older white woman on the podium", "Henry is a black man", "the man is white (ref to hero)", "tan skin" (heroine), etc., WHY for Pete’s sake do we need to know what race each character was when it made no difference to the plot or anything else?

Then we have a heroine who is the aggressor in the relationship of always making the first move, a "romantic" relationship that doesn't even begin until close to 48%-50% or more, and a Hero who ad nauseam brings up his Ex GF of 5 yrs prior in every chapter!

Hero:

The older I got, the more tedious I found casual dating to be. The endless pursuit of a sexual partner was exhausting when the work hours were long and my job felt much too important to waste precious free time. Freya had been right about my dry spell. It had been more than a year since I’d indulged in sex, and that event had left me unsatisfied and frustrated. Probably because it’d been a long time since I’d met a woman who inspired real lust—wild and uncontrolled. The more tightly I restrained myself, the less I felt like I deserved finding that in another person. Aloofness was my preferred armor. An unfortunate trait I’d inherited from my father.

Heroine:

Sex was a necessity, but I scratched that itch with one-night stands or short-term flings, the less personal the better.
Profile Image for arianareadsbooks.
201 reviews10 followers
August 2, 2020
“𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥. 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐟 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐈’𝐦 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞.”⁣

This book is the perfect conclusion to the joy that has been the CODEX series. I’ve fallen in love with each one of these characters, felt their highs and lows as if they were my own, and cheered them on through the pages.⁣

Okay, but also... this book is so FUN! It takes place in England, which is the perfect backdrop for Sloane and Abe’s “who’s gonna be the first one to get the clue” cat and mouse game. Their chemistry is undeniable and they truly are the perfect match. Speaking of, I’m obsessed with Sloane. She’s fierce and strong but sensitive and unwavering and I love that about her.⁣

Abe Royal. Oh my god, Abe Royal. Have you ever wanted to wrap someone up in a hug but also have them pin you to a mattress? That’s Abe Royal.⁣

Every character in this book is meaningful and so well developed. To me, the overall theme of this series has been the family you build from the people you love. Abe has always felt like an outsider looking in, even with all of the people who clearly love and care for him. Sloane never had a real family and is terrified to think of the repercussions that could come along with being a team... she doesn’t need any further heartbreak, thank you very much.⁣

From the Hawaiian shirts, to the ties, to the ice packs - it’s clear that Kathryn put a lot of time and effort into this book (and this series!) through all the minute details that make it such a perfect, thrilling experience.⁣

A glorious balance of romantic suspense, comedy, heat, and pure love: In the Clear is one of the best books of 2020.⁣

𝘞𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘯 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬.
Profile Image for Amber Sanchez.
271 reviews37 followers
August 2, 2020
Kathryn Nolan, she is one of my favorites; and her ability to WOW me never ceases to amaze me. In The Clear, the wrap-up of the Codex series, truly is the consummate finale that we’ve waited for. Although this is a standalone in this series, reading the predecessors allows for Abraham Royal to pique interest in the most delicious of ways. While Nolan allows for small glimpses into some of his characteristics, she creates a build-up that leaves us longing to know more about this mysterious and intriguing man.

One theme that is apparent throughout this series is that Abe is surrounded by a crew that is very fond of him. The respect that has been established by all of them also encompasses somewhat of a fatherly love and there is no shortage of the run-of-the-mill office ribbing between this group. Kathryn shows this group in the most genuine light possible, thus creating a warm feeling we’ve come to know throughout this series.

In The Clear is a smart, tense, and passionate read. The introduction of Abe’s love interest, Sloane Sargento, is true perfection. She is his ideal match and anything less would not have done. She is the strong presence needed in his life. And the journey that ensues for these two is fascinating and addicting.

Kathryn Nolan brought us such a unique, brilliant and clever series. Her writing is exquisite and spellbinding. And she truly concludes this series magnificently. In The Clear offers a continuation of what this series is known for. This is without a doubt, an amazing conclusion. I’m only sad to see it end.
Profile Image for Jenny Bunting.
Author 15 books443 followers
July 26, 2020
With the third and final installment in Codex trilogy, Kathryn Nolan has brought us a novel exactly like the hero himself-- tough as nails on the outside, but a huge squish ball on the inside.

Abe and Sloan were well-matched and their love story believable. So much so that when my logical and risk-adverse ass got to the end, I for sure thought it was a good idea I LIVED for the epilogue.

I found the love story well-balanced to the suspense plot, which I appreciated. Nothing got lost when the love story took precedent over the suspense story and vice versa. I was invested in both story lines and the stakes. The STAKES.

The whole Codex gang is epic and the themes of found family got me in my soul. I ended up crying and that's when I know the finale to a series is good. Again, that epilogue got five tears (much like five stars) from this ice princess.

I do recommend if you read this series to begin with the first one and read in order. Behind the Veil (Book 1) and Under the Rose (Book 2) are available for purchase on Amazon and free with your Kindle Unlimited subscription.

As many of you know, I used to be a book reviewer and received ARCs on a regular basis so I wouldn't have read it and reviewed it like this if I didn't love it. I received this ARC from the author's marketing representative in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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